Well the crew cab project is on Hiatus but I have a new smaller project.

I picked up a '97 Mexico Spec Tahoe 2dr 2wd with a bad TBI motor... compression is bad and failed wet test, drinking oil like gasoline! Yes it is a plain old school TBI/non vortec motor.

So i'm looking for some input, I have 3 options as i see it..

EASY; swap in another swirl port motor, found local for $300 and have no power..

LESS EASY; swap in L31 motor GMPP intake found local for $450 then add in cam/springs/high flow Holley TB, re-seal/complete gasket kit, tune/chip etc and have about $1200 into a maybe 350HP motor

LESS EASY; 5.3 swap, Schoenfled headers, use my spare 6.0/LS1 cam, ecu/tune all for around the same $1200 as i know of a couple 5.3's locally for $500 and could get that same 350HP...

anyone have any GEN III builds of this type?

heres the tahoe...